Tom Hanks to go In the Garden of Beasts?

Studio Universal has optioned the film rights to the Erik Larson-written best-seller, with Hanks and his production partner Gary Goetzman set to work on the movie behind the scenes, and Tom eyed for the starring role.

The novel tells the true tale of former Unites States Ambassador William Dodd, who worked in Berlin in 1933, and his socialite daughter Martha, who had affairs with a Soviet spy and a Gestapo official.

They initially stayed in Germany following the rise of Adolf Hitler, but found themselves slowly growing aware of the terrible situation around them.

The book was published in May, but has been a huge success since its release, and will continue a theme for the actor who has long had a fascination with war-time stories, working on miniseries 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific'.

Tom will next star in 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' - also a novel adaptation - alongside Sandra Bullock.